Coming around in the next year, I'm going to need to take a look at a large mower. Budget won't afford much past $4000, for a sturdy 60+" mower and snowblower/plow.

I really like the looks of the JD Front Mower F9** series, or the JD 4** series. Both are in the 20+HP range gas or diesel. Any comments on these, they look like pretty sturdy machines ... I see plenty of these in my $$ range with 500-700hrs. They definitely look tougher than the Sears/Lowe's brands!! And are definitely cheaper than buying a new heavy duty mower.

Anyhow ... anybody with any input?
P.S. I'm also very mechanically inclined, so working on small engines/trannies is no problem for me.

Thanks, Neal

I mow grass with a 445 deere. love it. I love that it is EFI.

ive got a 445 with 60" deck and 47" two stage snow blower with over 300 hours on it.
havent had any problems with it I change the oil every fall (and whatever else needs to be done) keep it greased washed and waxed and it still looks new.
cant go wrong with a Deere

JD's are great, also check out an older commercial Bolens if you can find one. really awesome machines too.

I've got a JD430 with 1200hrs and its been great. I prefer the diesel to gas but if its a deer then its ok.

With a Deere you can get parts and service very easy, usely one dealership per county in the US. Also very reliable. Attachments are very easy to switch back and forth compared to others- take a look at that if you do look at another brand.

I would go for it. Quality will always see you through. I bought an old but nice IH Cub Cadet and used it for many years without any problems. It got me good money when I sold it, too. I expect the Deere to be at least as good or better than the old IH stuff.

Check it out.............I have a VINTAGE Deere 400 lawn / garden tractor that my dad bought new in 1974. Just finished plowing the driveway with it. I tore it down about five years ago, new seat, paint and decals. Mechanicaly it remains PERFECT. Only maintenance ever done was hyd oil / filter changes, a few hyd hoses, a carb rebuild kit, belts. The thing I like about this tractor is ALL parts are available from Deere. I dont know if they build them like they used to, back in the 70's they were built way stout! This thing sees lots of use, 60" mower deck, snow blower and blade. They even made a bucket loader for them.

The dealer here says that he would be interested in mine if I ever wanted to sell it. No way, I would part with the Chevelle first!

Thanks for the votes of confidence! I was having a hard time telling if a JD was really built better, or just more $$ for the name.

I'm curious, did any of you consider the F9** front mowers when purchasing ... these are my other option besides the JD4**. I know they have some drawbacks (lack of towing, 3pt hitch) ... but they also look easier to manuever (zero turn, etc).

Just wondering any of you considered one of these also, or mostly stick with the conventional belly-mower. I'll have to find a list someplace listing serial numbers by year ... Do any of you know better years than others?

Thanks again, believe me $3-4k is a pretty big deal for me. So I need to make a good decision, once!
Thanks, Neal

I'm curious, did any of you consider the F9** front mowers when purchasing ... these are my other option besides the JD4**. I know they have some drawbacks (lack of towing, 3pt hitch) ... but they also look easier to manuever (zero turn, etc).

Just wondering any of you considered one of these also, or mostly stick with the conventional belly-mower. I'll have to find a list someplace listing serial numbers by year ... Do any of you know better years than others?



never condersided the F9** I have no problem truning the 445 with power steering. it plows great too, lots of power, and love it